Resins used in dental composites, derived from bisphenol-A (BPA), have been shown to alter immune cells. The objective of this study was to explore children’s immune function changes in relation to resin-composites treatment.

Design

We conducted secondary data analysis of the New England Children’s Amalgam Trial immune function substudy (N=59). Immune function was measured pre-treatment and up to 5 times post-treatment through 5 year follow-up. Multivariable generalized linear regression models were used to estimate the association between three classes of resin-composites (bisphenol-A-diglycidyl-dimethacrylate [BisGMA]-based flowables used for preventive sealants; urethane dimethacrylate [UDMA]-based compomer restorations; bisGMA-based restorations) and changes in immune function markers measured annually.

Results

Total white blood cell counts and responsiveness of T-cells or neutrophils were not appreciably altered by composite treatment levels. Changes in B-cell responsiveness were greater throughout follow-up among children with more bisGMA-based composite restorations, which opposed findings for amalgam treatment levels. Monocyte responsiveness changes were decreased at 6-months with greater treatment, but not over longer follow-up.

Conclusions

Results of this analysis showed no overt immune function alterations associated with resin-composites. Additional research regarding lymphocyte activation may be warranted given the consistency of results within these analyses and with a prior study showing increased B-cell activation.

To determine differences in the rates of growth, endocrine and calcium related abnormalities in the various thalassemia syndromes in North America with current therapy.

Methods

Medical history, physical examinations and blood and urine collections were obtained from patients with all thalassemia syndromes age 6 years and older in the Thalassemia Clinical Research Network.

Results

361 subjects, 49% male, mean age 23.2 years (range 6.1 to 75 years) were studied. Approximately 25% of children and adults, regardless of the thalassemia syndrome, had short stature. Overall growth in children was mildly affected. Final height was close to midparental height (z = -0.73 ± 1.24). Patients with beta thalassemia major (TM) had higher rates of hypogonadism, multiple endocrinopathies, worse hyperglycemia, subclinical hypoparathyroidism and hypercalciuria. Hypogonadism remained the most frequent endocrinopathy and was frequently under-treated. 12.8% of the subjects had 25 vitamin D concentrations less than 27nmol/L and 82% less than 75nmol/L, regardless of the thalassemia syndrome. Adolescents had lower 25 vitamin D levels than children and adults.

Conclusions

Compared to patients with other thalassemia syndromes, those with beta TM suffer from higher rates of multiple endocrinopathies, abnormal calcium metabolism and hypercalciuria. Vitamin D abnormalities are high among adolescents.